English Reference

Phrasal verb

work on sth

Definition

phrasal verb. to spend time and effort improving something or making it better.

phrasal verb. to exert effort or perform tasks in order to develop, repair, or improve a specific object or project.

Examples

“I need to work on my English pronunciation.”

“The team is currently working on a new marketing strategy for the summer launch.”

“While the engineers work on the structural integrity of the bridge, the architects are refining the aesthetic details of the pedestrian walkway.”

Examples

simple

“I need to work on my English pronunciation.”

contextual

“The team is currently working on a new marketing strategy for the summer launch.”

complex

“While the engineers work on the structural integrity of the bridge, the architects are refining the aesthetic details of the pedestrian walkway.”

Usage

the object is usually a task, a skill, or a project that requires development.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'work at' (which focuses on the location or employer) to show that 'work on' focuses on the specific goal or target of the effort.

Pitfall

I am working on to improve my car.

I am working on my car.

the preposition 'on' must be followed by a noun or a gerund, not an infinitive verb.

Phrasal verb

Particles

on

Separability

inseparable

Pattern

work + on + object

Synonyms

Antonyms

Grammar

This entry

Level
B1 · Intermediate
Updated

Scan code

englishreference.com/q/work-on-sth

English Reference